News article - Style E 4600

The British and Irish Lions will sing an official anthem, entitled "The Power Of Four", before each one of their 2005 Tour matches, including Monday's warm-up clash with Argentina.

The British and Irish Lions will sing an official anthem, entitled "The Power Of Four", before each one of their 2005 Tour matches, including Monday's warm-up clash with Argentina.

The song was specially commissioned by the Lions and will be performed for the first time before the Zurich Test against the Pumas in Cardiff.

With the Lions' summer Test opposition, the All-Blacks singing their own national anthem and engaging in the haka pre-match, Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward felt it was important, for psychological reasons, for the Lions to enjoy their own rallying call.

He commented: "I hope players and fans alike will welcome the fact that we have our own song, which can be used to stir the passions and help build the phenomenal camaraderie that is developing between the players of the four countries who have come together as one.

"We are determined to make this the best prepared and the most professional Lions tour ever, and this is one small part of that."

The song was written by composer Neil Myers, and will be performed on Monday night by Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins.

"The Power Of Four" lyrics:

"From the four corners of our lands,"We're united, hand in hand,"Together,

"We're stronger,"We join and proud we stand.

"Now the day has come, we are one,"Standing tall for our Lions call,"We're stronger,"Together,"We are the power of four."

The song will be available for fans to download from the internet and the Lions players are to have it added to the iPods which they were given last week.

A Lions spokesman said: "The players were shown the words on Saturday but they will not be expected to sing it on Monday. The important thing is that everyone is focussing totally on the game against Argentina. But by the time we get to New Zealand, we will all be word perfect.

"As with national anthems there is no obligation on players to sing, but we believe this song will become a popular part of the whole adventure to New Zealand."

The countdown is on to the Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23. Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens & Women's Rugby, previews what promises to be an exciting couple of days.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Jenny Murphy talks about the progress made by the Ireland Women's Sevens team and their pool draw for the upcoming Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Conor Murray and Tommy Bowe speak to Irish Rugby TV about their Rugby World Cup preparations and thank the thousands of supporters who came out to see the players at the open training session at the Sportsground.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell gives his verdict on the team's new Rugby World Cup jersey and talks about his move to French club Toulon. Ireland's RWC 2015 range is available to pre-order now from http://shop.irishrugby.ie.

Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens, talks about the target of a top three finish for both the Ireland Men and Women in Lisbon this weekend, as they continue on their quests for Olympic qualification.

Tom Daly, who recently captained the Ireland Men's Sevens team to the European Division C and B titles, is looking forward to playing in this weekend's Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ireland will host the 'Women's Sevens Dublin' at UCD on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. Tournament director Garrett Tubridy and Ireland stars Lucy Mulhall, Jenny Murphy and Louise Galvin speak about their excitement ahead of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier.

Coach Allen Clarke and stand-in captain Billy Holland answer questions from the media following Emerging Ireland's 45-12 victory over Georgia in the final round of their successful Tbilisi Cup campaign.

Emerging Ireland coach Allen Clarke speaks about his side's five-try 33-7 win over Uruguay in the Tbilisi Cup and the first half injury to captain Rhys Ruddock. They wrap up the tournament against hosts Georgia on Sunday.

Speaking about the floods that occurred following the Tbilisi Cup's first round, Emerging Ireland team manager Joey Miles said: "A natural event like that, a tragedy like that puts the game of rugby into perspective. We express our regrets to the Georgian people and the Georgian Union for the terrible tragedy that they had."

David O'Reilly from the IRFU Charitable Trust's Corporate Patrons Committee speaks about the new scheme which provides businesses with unique networking opportunities and provides a platform for companies to effectively activate their CSR programmes. For further information, please contact Linda Black of the Charitable Trust - telephone (01) 6473866 or email: linda.black@irfu.ie / http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34728.php.